Disinfecting device utilizing ultraviolet radiation

ABSTRACT

A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to using ultraviolet radiation todisinfect various cleaning media. The invention more particularlyrelates to devices and processes that can be employed to disinfect orsanitize infestation agents within various cleaning media by usingultraviolet radiation.

2. Background of the Invention

Many homes and businesses suffer from infestations of allergens andother undesirable organic and inorganic substances, such as molds,viruses, bacteria, and dust mites. Floor coverings such as carpeting inhomes and hotels, for example, can contain a high concentration oforganic or inorganic substances which create a potentially unhealthy orharmful environmental condition. A common indoor allergen in carpetingand mattresses that can trigger allergy symptoms in humans is the dustmite, a microscopic insect related to spiders. It has been claimed thatallergies developed in the early years of a child's life due to exposureto allergens can result in life-long allergic responses or more seriousmedical conditions such as asthma. Exposure to mold spores, for example,has been linked to certain types of respiratory illnesses. Long-termexposure to mold may cause asthma or other respiratory problems, even inindividuals who are not naturally sensitive or allergic to mold.

Conventional cleaning methods do not effectively reduce populations ofinfestation agents present within carpeting. Standard vacuum cleaners donot sanitize or disinfect carpeting, and vacuuming alone usually removesonly a fraction of allergens from carpeting. Typically, steam cleaningis cumbersome, expensive, and may involve the use of chemicals. Also,steam cleaning can leave a carpet and its carpet pad in a wet conditionthat can support the undesirable growth of molds, mildew, bacteria, ordust mites in or beneath the carpet. As another alternative, chemicalpowders or dry carpet cleaning powders comprised primarily of chemicalpesticides and insecticides may be used to clean carpeting. Thepotential health and safety hazards associated with such chemicalpowders, however, often outweigh any benefits that might be obtained byusing them.

Many experts have suggested that the only solution to dealing withinfestation agents in carpeting is to remove existing carpetingaltogether and to refrain from using carpeting as a floor covering.However, for many individuals who find carpeting desirable, and for manyapplications where carpeting is an optimum choice for a floor covering,this is not an acceptable solution. As a result of the inadequacy ofconventional carpet cleaning methods, however, carpeting in homes andcommercial establishments can become an ideal environment in which dustmites, germs, bacteria, viruses, molds and other pathogens ormicroorganisms can live, grow, and multiply.

In addition, mattresses and other like articles are often afflicted byinfestation agents. By the nature of how a mattress is used for rest orsleep, it is frequently in close contact with humans or animals that mayshed dead skin, for example, or discard other organic substances thatare retained in the mattress. Insects such as dust mites can thrive onthis organic matter and quickly develop into a significant populationwithin the mattress. As described above for carpeting, conventionalcleaning methods applied to a mattress cannot both safely andeffectively reduce populations of infestation agents present within themattress.

It has been discovered that ultraviolet (“UV”) light, particularly inthe “C” spectrum (“UVC”), can deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses,germs, molds, and other pathogens and microorganisms, thus destroyingtheir ability to reproduce and multiply. UVC light has been usedeffectively in various applications to disinfect and sanitize hospitalrooms, medical clinics, food production facilities, and drinking water.However, existing products and processes have been unable to effectivelyand safely leverage the benefits of UV light to sanitize infestationagents in cleaning media such as carpeting and mattresses.

In view of the problems described above, safe and effective disinfectingdevices are needed to address the deficiencies of conventional processesfor sanitizing cleaning media such as carpeting and mattresses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The utility of the embodiments of the invention will be readilyappreciated and understood from consideration of the followingdescription of the embodiments of the invention when viewed inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a disinfecting devicestructured in association with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded three-dimensional bottom-to-top view of the lightbulb assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lens frame of thedevice;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lens frame of thedevice;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a portion of the main housing assembly of thedevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a telescopic poleassembly provided in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of adisinfecting device provided in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of adisinfecting device provided in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of adisinfecting device provided in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of adisinfecting device provided in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a bulb-in-bar assemblyprovided in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a disinfecting deviceprovided in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of the handle of thedevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the device of FIG. 1in association with various cleaning medium contact switch assemblyembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a partially cut-away, three-dimensional viewillustrating aspects of the cleaning medium contact switch assemblyembodiments of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a portion of adisinfecting device provided in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 14A is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the device;

FIG. 14B is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the device; and

FIG. 14C is a top view of one embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides embodiments of cleaning and/or disinfectingdevices, and features thereof, which offer various benefits: the devicesmaximize the disinfection capability of ultraviolet light (“UV light”)by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into acleaning medium; the devices offer enhanced various heat dissipation andair flow engineering features that can promote and maintain the safe andadvantageous use of UV light bulbs employed by the devices; and thedevices may employ multiple and integrated safety mechanisms and systemsthat promote safe and effective use of the devices. As described below,embodiments of the invention can be applied effectively for disinfectinginfestation agents which reside in cleaning media such as carpeting andmattresses. Cleaning operations such as vacuum cleaning operations, forexample, can also be performed in association with certain embodimentsof the devices described herein.

As applied herein, the term “cleaning medium” includes any area, region,substrate, surface, or other medium that can be acted upon by UV light.Examples of “cleaning media” include, without limitation, carpets,mattresses, furniture, drapery, or other surfaces or media (e.g.,hardwood, linoleum, and ceramic tile). The cleaning medium can behorizontal, as in a typical floor or mattress top surface, or verticalor at any other angle, such as with drapery and furniture surfaces. Theterm “carpet” as used herein includes all floor coverings having fibers,whether looped, tufted, hooked, needlefelt, woven or of other design,indoor or outdoor, of natural or synthetic materials, wall-to-wall orroll goods.

The term “infestation agent” may include any organism, microorganism,contagion, pathogen, germ, insect, and/or any other organic or inorganicsubstance which can be affected by application of ultraviolet radiation,or which can be present on or within a cleaning medium. Examples of“infestation agents” include, without limitation, viruses, bacteria,dust mites, molds, roaches, fleas, bed bugs, spiders, and other insects.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, various embodiments of theinvention may be provided in association with a disinfecting device 102,which may be structured to combine the functional or structural featuresof a standard vacuum cleaner in conjunction with an ultraviolet lightdisinfecting apparatus. In certain embodiments, the device 102 may bestructured for use as a combination cleaning and disinfecting device, inwhich both a disinfecting operation and a vacuum cleaning operation areperformed by using the device 102. In various embodiments, the device102 may be structured to perform disinfecting operations, with orwithout the additional capability to perform vacuum cleaning operations.Further, the device may be configured to selectively perform bothdisinfecting and vacuum cleaning operations or either operationindependently.

The device 102 includes a housing assembly 104 comprising a base 104Aand a top 104B, which when connected together serve to house variouscomponents of the device 102. The housing assembly 104 may beoperatively associated with a motor housing assembly 106 throughinteraction with a plenum cradle assembly 108, comprising a top plenumcradle 108A and bottom plenum cradle 108B, as shown in FIG. 1. The motorhousing assembly 106 can contain a vacuum motor 110 designed to powerthe vacuum cleaning operations of the device 102. The motor 110 can beprovided as an AC motor (e.g., 120 VAC) to power an impeller vane bydirect drive to generate vacuum suction as needed by the device 102.Overall, the various electrical components of the device 102, includingthe motor 110, can be powered by a power cord 112 adapted to be receivedinto an electrical outlet, for example, of a home or businesses, oranother suitable external power source. In addition to or in place ofexternal power sources, the device 102 may also be powered through theuse of various battery pack systems known in the art. In certainembodiments, the device 102 may be configured to accept and use inputpower from a variety of 110-120 VAC/50-60 Hz external power sources.Alternately, the motor housing assembly 106 can be located within thehousing assembly 104. The housing assembly 104 and motor housingassemblies, as well as other portions of the device, can take differentconfigurations, such as the embodiment sown in FIGS. 14A-C, amongothers, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is envisioned that the device can be made in various configurationsand sizes. For example, the device can be made in a hand-held embodimentand in various sizes for home or industrial use. Embodiments can beenvisioned which accord use of various vacuum nozzle structures whichincorporate the UV bulb assembly.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pole assembly 114 extends from the motor housingassembly 106 to a handle assembly 116 for the device 102. The handleassembly 116 of the device 102 may include various indicators (e.g., LEDlights) that communicate the current operational condition of the device102 to a user. The handle assembly can further include various switchesthat can be used to power the motor 110 or motors on or off, forexample, and/or to activate or maintain other functions of the device102, such as the UV bulb assembly, as described below.

The pole assembly 114 may be structured with multiple segmentspositioned in a telescoping configuration, to permit the pole assembly114 to extend or contract in overall length. For example, the poleassembly 114 may be extended to an extended telescoping position (asshown in FIG. 1) for use on cleaning media such as carpeting or otherfloor surfaces. Also, the pole assembly 114 may be contracted in overalllength to a contracted telescoping position to make overall handling ofthe device 102 more convenient and compact for applying the device 102to cleaning media such as mattresses or furniture, for example, or tomake the device 102 more compact for convenient storage during periodsof non-use.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, various embodiments of the pole assembly 114may include a lower pole section 114A connected in a telescopingconfiguration with an upper pole section 114B. As shown, a proximal endof the lower pole section 114A is connectable to the motor housing 106,and a distal end of the upper pole section 114B is connectable to thehandle assembly 116. To facilitate the telescoping action of the poleassembly 114, the diameter of the lower pole section 114A may beconfigured to be greater than the diameter of the upper pole section114B to facilitate receiving or sliding the upper pole section 114B intothe lower pole section 114A, such as when the pole assembly 114 is inthe contracted telescoping position. A connector collar 114C includingportions 114D, 114E may be structured to at least partially engage adistal end of the upper pole section 114B and a distal end of the lowerpole section 114A. The portions 114D, 114E may be connected to form theconnection collar 114C by use of conventional fastening means such asscrews 114F-1141, for example, which secure the connection collar 114Cto the pole assembly 114, as shown.

In various embodiments of the pole assembly 114, a locking mechanism114J may be positioned within a slot 114K of the connection collar 114C.The locking mechanism 114J may include a body segment 114L having alocking spring 114M connected at a first end of the body segment 114L.In operation, the locking spring 114M resiliently biases the first endof the body segment 114L outwardly from the connector collar 114C andpromotes movement of a locking tab portion 114N of the body segment 114Linwardly toward the upper pole section 114C. In the extended telescopingposition, the locking tab portion 114N may be received into a first slot114O formed in the upper pole section 114C. In the contractedtelescoping position, the locking tab portion 114N may be received intoa second slot 114P formed in the upper pole section 114B. The lockingtab portion 114N may be released from either of the slots 114O, 114P bydepressing an area of the body segment 114L of the locking mechanism114J adjacent to the locking spring 114M thus counteracting theresilient bias of the spring 114M. It can be seen that the resilientoutward bias of the locking spring 114M serves to promote receipt of thelocking tab portion 114N into the slots 114O, 114P, depending on whetheran expanded or contracted telescoping position, respectively, is desiredfor use with the device 102.

One or more wheels 118, 120 may be operatively associated with the base104A of the main housing assembly 104 to facilitate movement or travelof the device 102 across a cleaning medium. Also, a handle lock leverassembly 122 may be employed in the device 102 to permit locking orrelease of the angular movement of the collective arrangement of thehandle assembly 116, the pole assembly 114, and the motor housingassembly 106 relative to the main housing assembly 104. It can beappreciated that permitting this relative angular movement enablesconvenient travel of the device 102 on the wheels 118, 120 across acleaning medium such as by locomotion of a user, for example, employingthe device 102.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, a collection bin 124 may beremovably received into a cavity within the main housing assembly 104 orelsewhere to receive organic or inorganic particles, substances, orinfestation agents extracted from cleaning media through the base 104Aof the main housing assembly 104 during vacuum operation of the device102. A spring-released push button may be provided on the collection bin124 to release a hinged bottom of the bin 124, thereby allowingcollected materials to be released from the bin 124. The collection bin124 may use a cone-shaped geometry to generate cyclonic action withinthe bin 124 that maximizes separation of collected material before airreaches a filter 125 at the back side of the collection bin. In certainembodiments, the collection function performed by the collection bin 124can be instead achieved by a conventional bag-type arrangement, oranother functionally equivalent device or mechanism that can be employedin the device 102 to collect debris, materials, and/or infestationagents extracted from various cleaning media by action of the device102.

Movement of the organic or inorganic particles, substances, orinfestation agents extracted from cleaning media to the collection bin124 may be further facilitated by one or more airways, such as definedby passageway members 126, 128, as shown. The filter 125 may bepositioned within a filter housing 130 and installed within the mainhousing assembly 104 to filter “dirty” air processed through the device102 during a vacuum operation, for example. A replaceable, disposablefilter 125 or a reusable filter may be used in conjunction with thecollection bin 124 to capture debris or infestation agents extractedfrom cleaning media by operation of the device 102. In certainembodiments, HEPA filtration may be used to maximize the capture ofvarious infestation agents extracted from cleaning media.

In various embodiments, a beater bar 132 may be positioned within themain housing assembly 104 and configured to rotate during a beater baroperational mode of the device 102. The beater bar 132 may beoperatively associated with a beater bar motor 134, such as through abelt drive 136, to enable its rotation. The beater bar motor 134 may bea single-speed motor of AC or DC variety that powers the rotation of thebeater bar 132 through a mechanical operative association with the beltdrive 136. Alternately, a single motor can be employed to operate boththe beater bar and vacuuming functions of the device. It can beappreciated that the beater bar 132 can be configured to rotate withsufficient speed to effectively impact the cleaning medium on which thedevice 102 is employed. For example, the beater bar 132 and beater barmotor 134 can be selected or configured so that carpet fibers can beeffectively agitated on both higher and lower knap carpeting. In otherexamples, the beater bar 132 can be configured for effective sweeping ofhard floor surfaces, mattresses, and/or furniture.

In various operational modes of the device 102, the rotating beater bar132 may be structured to extract and carry infestation agents presentwithin a cleaning medium to a surface of the medium and/or to withinproximity of various portions of the base 104A of the main housingassembly 104 that are in the proximity of the cleaning medium. Thebeater bar 132 may include one or more beaters 132A, 132B, 132Cextending therefrom that, during rotation of the beater bar 132, canfunction to act upon a cleaning medium, such as to agitate or spreadfibers in a carpet or mattress, for example. The beaters 132 can be ofsolid construction, such as of rubber or plastic strips, or can be madeof a plurality of bristles.

In various embodiments, a light bulb assembly 142 may be positionedwithin the main housing assembly 104. As described below in more detail,the light bulb assembly 142 may be structured to radiate UV light ontoor into a variety of cleaning media upon which the device 102 may beemployed. The UV light supplied by the light bulb assembly 142 may beconfigured to irradiate, sanitize, or otherwise disinfect a variety ofinfestation agents that may be present within a given cleaning medium.For example, the device 102 may use UV light radiated from the lightbulb assembly 142 to sanitize dust mites living in the carpet flooring,mattresses, or furniture of a home or business.

In general, UV light wavelengths are considered less than about 400 nmand beyond the range of visible light. The UV portion of the lightspectrum can be classified into three wavelength ranges: UVA (from 315nm to 400 nm); UVB (from 280 nm to 315 nm); and, UVC (from 100 nm to 280nm). In general, UV light with a wavelength shorter than about 300 nm isconsidered effective at killing micro-organisms including bacteria,viruses, and molds. In particular, research has shown that UVC light isoptimal for killing micro-organisms. The UVC range of light wavelengthsis commonly called the “germicidal” bandwidth, because light in thisrange can deactivate the DNA of microorganisms and destroy their abilityto multiply. Specifically, UVC light causes damage to the nucleic acidof microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacentbases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevents the DNA in themicroorganism from being “unzipped” for replication, and themicroorganism is unable to reproduce. When the microorganism tries toreplicate, it is destroyed.

Research conducted in association with development of the invention hasshown that dust mites often spend most of their time at or near thesurface of cleaning media in which they are present, such as mattressesand carpeting, for example. It has also been discovered, however, thatdust mite eggs and larvae may be at or near the surface, and/or deepwithin the cleaning media (e.g., buried in carpet fibers). The researchhas demonstrated that UVC light can be effective at disrupting the lifecycle of microorganisms including dust mites, for example, if the UVClight is shined directly on the eggs and larvae of the microorganisms.As a result, various embodiments of the invention can be structured toachieve maximum irradiation within a cleaning medium (e.g., withincarpet fibers). This irradiation can be achieved by placing the UV lightsource (e.g., light bulb) above or near protruding members thatcondition the cleaning medium to receive penetrating UVC light. It hasbeen discovered that UVC light has the potential to break the life cycleof various microorganisms such as dust mites, for example, by killingthe embryonic stage and thereby stopping the production of allergenicproteins in feces and exuviae. It was found that even a relatively smalldose of UVC light had a fairly significant effect on dust mitereproduction, by affecting the rate of egg-laying and reproduction ofthe dust mites.

The effectiveness of UV light on infestation agents or microorganisms isdirectly related to the intensity of the light and exposure time. To beeffective, the UVC light rays can be directed to strike a microorganismwith sufficient intensity and exposure time to penetrate themicroorganism and break down its DNA molecular bonds. It is important tounderstand that UV light acts on a cumulative basis. In other words, ifthe molecular bonds of a particular microorganism are not broken down ona first application of UV light emanating from the device 102,subsequent applications of UVC light will continue to break down the DNAon a cumulative basis with the prior applications. The dosage of UVClight (in terms of millijoules per square centimeter or “mJ/cm²”) is aproduct of light intensity (or irradiance) and exposure time. Intensityis measured in microwatts per square centimeter (μW/cm²), and time ismeasured in seconds. In a given region irradiated with UVC light, forexample, most microorganisms in the region can be eradicated with anefficiency of about four logs (that is, 99.99%) with a UVC dosage ofabout 40 mJ/cm². For example, if it is assumed that the UVC lightintensity applied to a particular surface area of a cleaning medium is 2μW/cm², and the exposure time is 20 seconds, then the UVC light dosagewould be 40 mJ/cm², thus eradicating or disinfecting about 99.99% of themicroorganisms on the surface area. In numerous applications, UVCradiation of about 253.7 nm can be useful for eradication ordisinfection of various kinds of microorganisms, although the inventionis not limited to use at or near that range. In various embodiments, thedisinfecting device may be configured to eradicate at least about 90%,or more preferably at least about 99% or 99.99%, of the infestationagents present within a cleaning medium during normal use.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light bulb assembly 142 mayinclude a frame 142A having a generally curved reflector 142B attachedthereto which is structured to receive and at least partially enclose orencase an ultraviolet light bulb 142C therein. The reflector 142B may becomposed of a reflective material (e.g., highly polished aluminum) thatcan serve to re-direct or reflect UVC light emanating from the lightbulb 142C toward the cleaning medium. The reflective surfaces may besmooth or faceted, specular or semi-specular, or diffusing and may bemade of any reflective materials. The light bulb 142C may be, forexample, a generally U-shaped, 35-watt, high-output, no-ozone bulbsuitable for radiating light in the UVC wavelength range of light.Alternately, a single linear bulb or multiple linear or shaped bulbs canbe employed. Further, a bulb-in-bar arrangement, as explained herein,can be used ion conjunction with other bulbs. The bulb 142C may bepowered by insertion into a socket 142D which may be electricallyconnected to a ballast 144 or another power source. In certainembodiments, the ballast 144 may be a 120 VAC, 800 mA ballast, forexample.

It can be appreciated that the intensity of radiation emitted from a UVlight source (e.g., the light bulb 142C), and the associateddisinfecting effectiveness of the radiation, are a function of theproximity of the UV light source to the cleaning medium. The inventorshave discovered that, for certain applications and embodiments of thedevices described herein, the light bulb 142C may be positioned no morethan about 2 inches from a surface of the cleaning medium, morepreferably no more than about 1 inch from the surface of the cleaningmedium, and most preferably no more than about 0.5 inches from thesurface of the cleaning medium, to maximize the effectiveness of thedevices in disinfecting infestation agents present within a cleaningmedium.

It can further be appreciated that the dosage of the UJV radiation is afunction of the time of exposure of the cleaning medium to theradiation. To this end, it is a purpose of the invention to provideembodiments which provide for sufficient duration of exposure of theinfestation agents to the UV radiation. As seen in FIG. 2, multiple UVbulbs can be employed, which when the device is in use, willapproximately double the amount of time the UV light irradiates anygiven area of cleaning medium over a single linear bulb design at agiven rate of speed. Alternately, a U-shaped bulb can be employed, whichwill approximately double the exposure time over a single linear bulb ata given rate of travel. The device can employ multiple linear and/orshaped bulbs. Alternate arrangements can be employed as well, such as atleast one bulb in front of and at least one bulb behind the beater bar,as seen in FIG. 5A.

The arrangement, shape and number of bulbs will effect the duration ofexposure of the cleaning medium at a given rate of travel of the device.Obviously reaching a target dosage of 30-40 mJ/cm² is more easilyachieved under normal use conditions if that dosage can be reached in1-3 seconds of exposure. That is, a normal user is less likely to usethe device slowly enough to expose the cleaning medium for a lengthyperiod of time, such as 20 seconds. The device is preferably designedsuch that at a normal rate of use, that is, at a normal or slow walkingpace, any given area of cleaning medium will be exposed for a durationof time sufficient to eradicate 90% of infestation agents, or morepreferably 99% or 99.99% of eradication. The arrangement of the bulb orbulbs can be designed to expose an area of cleaning medium, at a slow tonormal walking pace, to at least one second of exposure to UV light andmore preferably for about two seconds or more of exposure. The desiredduration of exposure will vary depending on the intensity of theradiation as determined by the distance from the light source to thecleaning medium, the power of the light source and the effectiveness ofreflectors.

A lens 147 may be included in the light bulb assembly 142 positioned ina lens frame 142F, and this arrangement may serve to protect the lightbulb 142C from breakage and/or direct contact with surfaces or otherobjects. To further protect the light bulb 142C from shock and vibrationeffects, an isolator 142G or shock absorber or dampener can be employed.The shock dampener can be made of rubber or another suitable materialand be positioned on one or more if the distal ends of the light bulb142C, as shown in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, foam or rubbercushions and/or suspension supports may be positioned adjacent to thelight bulb 142C and/or around the socket 142D to absorb forces orvibration arising from operation and use of the device 102.

The lens 147 is preferably disposed between the light source or bulb142C and the cleaning medium. The lens resists direct human contact withthe light bulb 142C, which is advantageous because the presence offinger prints, for example, on the light bulb 142C may hindertransmittance of UVC light during operation of the device 102. In theevent the light bulb 142C breaks, for example, it can be seen that thelens 147 promotes containment of light bulb 142C fragments within theassembly 142. The lens 147 is made of a substantially translucentmaterial. In certain embodiments, the lens 147 may be composed of arelatively thin (e.g., about 3 mm) fused silica or quartz glass, or asubstance that allows greater than 80% transmittance of UV lighttherethrough. More preferably, the lens 147 allows greater than 90%transmittance of UV light, or 95% transmittance or higher. The thicknessof the lens can vary, although typically the thinner the lens the betterthe transmittance. Accordingly, a thinner lens is preferable, in oneembodiment a lens of no more then three mm is preferred.

Adjacent to the lens 147, or directly below the lens 147, at least oneprotruding member 143 extends from the device and into contact with thecleaning medium. Preferably the protruding members 143 extend from thelens frame 142F or from the lens 143 itself. During operation of thedevice 102, the protruding members 143 serve to act upon the cleaningmedium (e.g., by contacting the medium and spreading open a section ofcarpet flooring or a mattress) to promote penetration of UV light intothe cleaning medium. The protruding members 143 may also serve toprevent leakage reflection of UV light rays away from the interior ofthe light bulb assembly 142. Although a single protruding member can beemployed, a plurality is preferred.

The protruding members 143 can be arranged variously, such as seen inFIGS. 2, 2A-B and 5. In FIG. 2, the protruding members are arrangedadjacent the lens 147, both in front of and behind the lens and UV lightsource 142C. Alternately, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the protrudingmembers can extend across the lens and across the UV light source 142C.The protruding members 143 can extend across the lens 147longitudinally, as in FIG. 2B, or diagonally or laterally, as seen inFIG. 2A. Preferably, the protruding members are attached to the lensframe 142F, as seen in FIGS. 2, 2A-B and 3. Alternately, as seen in FIG.5, the protruding members can extend directly from the lens itself. Forexample, the lens 147 can be manufactured to include protruding members143 therefrom or such members may be attached to the lens by adhesivesand the like. The protruding members 143 can be opaque, translucent ortransparent and can be made of rubber, plastic or other materials.Alternately the members 143 can be made of a plurality of bristles. Themembers 143 can be flexible or inflexible, but should be stiff enough toeffectively move carpet fibers. If the protruding members extend acrossthe direct path of the UV light, it may be preferable that they transmitUV light through to the cleaning medium.

As seen in FIG. 5, the protruding members 143 at least partially fall inthe direct path of UV light irradiated form the UV light source 142C, asseen by the path of rays (as indicated by arrows). The protrudingmembers 143 are designed to contact a carpet cleaning medium, pushingthe fibers of the carpet apart to create space for the direct shining ofUV light upon areas of the fibers that would not otherwise receivedirect radiation. As the device 102 is moved back and forth over thecarpet cleaning medium, the protruding members 143 act to open up themedium to direct UV light. In this manner, the deeper areas of themedium which may bear infestation agents, especially eggs, are subjectto irradiation. In FIG. 5, the device 102 is seen moving right to left,opening up the carpet fibers as the protruding members contact and forceapart the fibers. As the device is moved in the opposite direction, theprotruding members will again create space between the fibers allowingUV light to reach into previously hidden portions of the cleaningmedium. Since the effect of UV radiation on infestation agents iscumulative, the protruding members are designed to allow a greatercombined duration of exposure as the device is moved back and forthacross the cleaning medium.

The protruding members 143 may be stationary, as seen in FIGS. 2, 2A-Band 5, or can be designed to move relative to the device 102. Forexample, in an embodiment employing the bulb-in-bar assembly, asexplained herein, the beaters of the beater bar serve as protrudingmembers 143 since they fall in the path of the light source 142C. Insuch a case, the protruding members are not stationary, but moveindependently with respect to the light source.

The lens frame 142F can be removably or pivotally attached to the devicehousing, such as by latches 149 or other known mechanisms so that thelens frame can be moved away from the lens to facilitate cleaning of thelens.

In another embodiment of the device, the lens 147 is not supported abovethe surface of the cleaning medium. Rather, the lens is designed tocontact the medium as the device is moved across the medium surface. Insuch a way, the lens is constantly wiped during use, thereby removingany dust that may otherwise adhere to the exterior of the lens 147.Since UV light is absorbed so readily, dust build-up on the exterior ofthe lens will adversely effect the disinfecting capabilities of thedevice. Consequently, the lens may be cleaned between uses by the useror, in the embodiment just described, use of the device will alsoconstitute a method for removing dust from the lens.

As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the light bulb 142C may be positionedin an inner bulb chamber 145 of the light bulb assembly 142. The bulbchamber 145 can be formed of various components but must provide forpositioning of the bulb or bulbs 142C therein. Radiant energy or lightbeams (depicted schematically by the representative arrows illustratedin FIG. 5) emitted from the light bulb 142C shine directly or indirectlyfrom the light bulb 142C onto and/or into a cleaning medium 146. It canbe seen that light beams incident on the reflector 142B can be reflectedback from the reflector 142B toward the cleaning medium 146 to furtherenhance the effectiveness of the light bulb assembly 142 in disinfectingor sanitizing infestation agents residing within the cleaning medium146.

The inner bulb chamber 145 may be formed by the collective arrangementof chamber walls 151 and the lens 147 to create an ambient environmentaround the light bulb 142C, as seen in FIG. 5. Alternatively, thechamber walls 151 can be comprised of or incorporate a portion or theentirety of the reflector 142B. Such an arrangement is seen in FIG. 7.Preferably, the bulb chamber is substantially dust-tight. That is, thebulb chamber remains substantially free of dust and other particlesduring use. To this end, various seals and gaskets can be employed tobetter seal the chamber. Since about 90% of all particles are smallerthan 0.3 microns, the chamber is preferably designed to substantiallyprevent infiltration by particles of that size or even smaller. It isimportant to prevent dust in the chamber since such dust will tend tocollect on the exterior of the UV light bulb 142C and act to absorb theemitted UV light, preventing the UV light from reaching the cleaningmedium. The chamber can further be airtight. The chamber, in theembodiment of FIG. 5, is defined primarily by the chamber walls 151 andlens 147. Consequently, the walls and lens preferably are sealed againstsubstantial dust intrusion. In this embodiment, the reflector 142B neednot create a separate sealed chamber, although it is depicted as doingso, as it is entirely enclosed within the bulb chamber created by thewalls 151 and lens 147. In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 7,wherein the reflector 142B comprises a bulb chamber wall, the reflectorand lens preferably create a chamber substantially or wholly sealedagainst dust particles.

In one example of an experiment conducted in association withdevelopment of the invention, conditions used in developing the lightbulb 142C specifications were as follows: a desired dosage of 40 mJ/cm²was selected in order to achieve about 99.99% eradication of mostmicroorganisms; the device 102 was moved at a relatively slow walkingpace across a carpet cleaning medium, exposing any particular area ofthe carpet to approximately two seconds of UVC light; the light bulb142C was positioned about 0.5 inches from the surface of the carpet; thebeater bar 132 was employed to optimize bringing microorganisms to thesurface of the carpet for maximum exposure to the UVC light; and, thereflector 142B was employed. With these experimental conditions, it wasdetermined that a generally U-shaped, 42-watt, 8.7 inch light bulb 142Cgenerated approximately 12.6 μW/cm² of UVC irradiance. With the additionof the polished, curved aluminum reflector 142B behind the light bulb142C in the light bulb assembly 142, the UVC irradiance generated was inthe range of approximately 20 μW/cm². With one second of exposure, itwas discovered that this configuration for the light bulb assembly 142generated approximately 20 mJ/cm² of a UVC light dosage; with twoseconds of exposure, the configuration generated approximately 40 mJ/cm²of UVC light dosage to achieve the desired four logs (i.e., 99.99%)eradication of microorganisms. A specific example involving theinfluenza virus helps to illustrate the dosage needed: to eradicateinfluenza virus in the carpeting with the above experimental conditions,a UVC light dosage of 6.6 μW/cm² would be needed. This UVC light dosagecould be achieved in the first 0.33 seconds of passing the UVC lightbulb 142C over the influenza virus in the carpet. The exposure time ofany given area of cleaning medium will, of course, be greater than thatachieved on a single pass of the device since most users will not simplywalk across the area but will rather push and pull the device over thesame area multiple times.

In various embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable to employstructures or mechanisms that facilitate heat dissipation within or inthe immediate vicinity of the light bulb assembly 142, such as tocontrol the ambient air temperature in the bulb chamber 145. Withreference to FIG. 6, solid arrows 152 represent rotation of the beaterbar 132 as it acts upon a cleaning medium 156 during travel of thedevice 102 (represented schematically by arrow 158) during operation. Inassociation with operation of the device 102, as shown schematically byrepresentative arrows 154, air flow can be facilitated by negativepressure generated by action of the vacuum motor 110. The air flows fromthe beater bar 132 through a collection bin airway 160, through thecollection bin 124, and then through a vacuum motor airway 162 leadingto the vacuum motor 110.

In various embodiments, heat transfer may be effected by structuring thechamber walls 151 for exposure to cooling air flow through the device102, such as air flow generated during a vacuum operation. It can beappreciated that operation of the light bulb 142C within the inner bulbchamber 145 of the light bulb assembly 142 can generate heat in theambient environment or air around the light bulb 142C. The temperatureof the ambient environment within the bulb chamber 145 can impactperformance or effectiveness of the light bulb 142C. Thus, in certainembodiments, it is desirable to structure the chamber walls 151 fromconductive material or materials that conduct heat from the inner bulbchamber 145 and into contact with the airflow streaming through thedevice 102, such as during a vacuum operation. Examples of suitablematerials that may be used for the chamber walls include aluminum,aluminum alloys, or other metals that can adequately conduct heat awayfrom the inner bulb chamber 145. In certain embodiments, where thechamber walls 151 are coextensive with the reflector 142B, the reflector142B is comprised of material that is both a reflective and heatconductive material.

In certain embodiments, and with particular reference to FIG. 7, one ormore airflow holes, such as airflow hole 182, may be formed in thechamber walls 151 adjacent to an airflow stream. The pressuredifferential between the ambient air inside the inner bulb chamber 145of the light bulb assembly 142 and the airflow stream 154 external tothe inner bulb chamber 145 may be configured to draw air, and heatrecumbent in the air, from the inner bulb chamber 145 into the airflowstream 154. In various embodiments, one or more airflow inlet holes maybe formed generally adjacent to the isolator 142G, or one or moreairflow outlet holes may be formed in the chamber walls 151 or reflector142B adjacent to the airflow stream.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a fin assembly 190including one or more fins may be connected to the reflector 142B tofurther increase the capability to transfer heat from the inner bulbchamber 145 to the airflow stream. As seen in FIG. 7, the fin assembly190 is mounted or formed directly on the reflector 142B, since thereflector forms a chamber wall. Alternatively, where the chamber wall151 does not include the reflector 142B, as seen in FIG. 5, the finassembly 190 is preferably formed or mounted on the chamber wall 151.Also seen in FIG. 5 are fin assemblies 190 on the reflector 142B.

In an arrangement which includes airflow holes in the chamber 145, it ispreferable to use an air filter 183 to filter the airflow entering thechamber. The air filter 183 preferably eliminates dust and otherairborne particles from reaching the interior of the chamber. Asexplained above, the chamber is preferably dust tight. Consequently, theair filter 183 is preferably effective to eliminate most particles of0.3 microns or even smaller.

It can be appreciated that such air flow engineering can be beneficialfor thermodynamically transferring heat away from the inner bulb chamber145 to enhance the effectiveness of the radiant energy supplied by thelight bulb 142C. In certain embodiments of the light bulb 142C, forexample, it has been discovered that the effectiveness of UVC lightradiance is reduced when the ambient air temperature around the bulb142C rises above about 110 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. The device ispreferably designed, therefore, with a heat dissipation system effectiveto maintain the bulb chamber at 110 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.Further, the device can employ a temperature sensor and associatedindicator light or switch-off to alert the user to the elevatedtemperature or switch off the device to allow cooling.

With reference to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, the light bulb 202 andthe beater bar 204 may be integrated into a single bulb-in-bar assembly206 for use in a disinfecting device. As shown, the light bulb 202 maybe at least partially encased by a skeleton frame 204 including firstand second skeleton portions 204A, 204B which collectively form thebeater bar 204. Openings 204C-204F may be formed in the beater barportions 204A, 204B permit UV light radiated from the light bulb 202 toescape from the bulb-in-bar assembly 206. It can be appreciated that, incertain embodiments, the skeleton portions 204A, 204B of the skeletonframe beater bar 154 may be replaced by a single-piece skeleton framestructured to at least partially encase the light bulb 202 therein. Asshown, one or more beaters 204G, 204H formed on the beater bar portions204A, 204B function to condition or beat a cleaning medium, such as thefibers of a carpet floor, to bring infestation agents towards or to thesurface of the cleaning medium. In the bulb-in-bar embodiment, thebeaters also can function as protruding members, as explained above,extending into the cleaning medium and separating carpet fibers fordirect exposure to UV light emanating from the UV bulb. The beater barportions 204A, 204B may be secured by the use of one or more C-clamps208, 210, 212 to hold the beater bar 204 together and to maintain thelight bulb 202 securely within the bulb-in-bar assembly 206. Inaddition, one or more rubber O-rings 214, 216, 218, 220 may be employedto protect the light bulb 202 from shock and vibration. In certainembodiments, a protective sleeve or lens 222 comprised of a transparentmaterial, such as quartz glass or fused silicon, may be positionedunderneath the beater bar portions 204A, 204B, and outside of the lightbulb 202 to at least partially encase and protect the light bulb 202from contact with objects, materials, or infestation agents. Thebulb-in-bar assembly 206 may be positioned within a frame 224, includingfirst and second frame portions 224A, 224B as shown, which facilitatesrotation of the bulb-in-bar assembly 206 during operation of the device102. It can be appreciated that the bulb-in-bar assembly 206 can serveto maximize penetration of UV light irradiation into a cleaning medium.

As with other embodiments of the device, it is preferable that the bulbchamber in the bulb-in-bar assembly be substantially or wholly dusttight as described above. Consequently, the bulb-in-bar assembly willemploy gaskets and seals as needed or desired.

The schematic of FIG. 9 illustrates that, for certain embodiments of amodified device 102, the bulb-in-bar assembly 206 may be installed foroperation. In view of the light bulb 202 being included within thebeater bar skeleton frame 204, it can be seen that a separate light bulbassembly 142, as described above, is not required. The bulb-in-barassembly can be used in conjunction with other UV bulbs, however.Otherwise, the various features of the device 102 can be readilystructured for applicability to the embodiment of the device asillustrated in FIG. 9.

With reference to FIG. 10, a main power switch 232 and a beater baron/off switch 234 may be located on the handle assembly 116 of thedevice 102 or elsewhere on the device 102, such as on the main housingassembly 104, for example. The main power switch 232 enables the device102 to receive power from an external power source or battery. Thebeater bar on/off switch 234 enables rotation of the beater bar 132 invarious operational modes of the device 102. In addition, a safetyswitch 236 may be positioned on the top, bottom, or otheruser-accessible portion of the handle assembly 116 that can beconfigured such that the safety switch 236 must be depressed oractivated during operation of the device 102 to permit the light bulb142C to be activated. Likewise, when not depressed or activated, thesafety switch 236 can be configured to either deactivate the light bulb142C, or otherwise not permit the light bulb 142C to be activated untilthe safety switch 236 is depressed. One or more indicators 238 may beprovided on the handle assembly 116 and/or the main housing assembly104, for example, to communicate activation of the light bulb 142C to auser of the device 102. For example, the indicator 238 may be configuredto be lit when UVC light is being radiated from the light bulb 142C toindicate to a user that disinfection of the cleaning medium is underway.It can be appreciated that positioning the safety switch 236 on thehandle assembly 116 in certain embodiments promotes keeping the user ata minimum distance from the radiance of the light bulb 142C when thelight bulb 142C is activated during operation of the device 102.

The safety switch 236 is preferably a dead man's switch or deadmandevice. That is, the switch is designed to shut of or deactivate the UVlight source in case the user becomes incapacitated or otherwise ceasesactivation of the deadman switch. This fail safe mechanism is designedto prevent the user from direct exposure to the UV light. The safetyswitch can be of any type known in the industry, can employ a trip cord,be a simple trigger or depression switch, or be of other design.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, one or more cleaning medium contactswitch assemblies 250, 252 may be positioned in operative associationwith the base 104A of the main housing assembly 104. Each of thecleaning medium contact switch assemblies 250, 252 includes a floor orcleaning medium contact portion 250A, 252A (respectively), connected toan electrical switch portion 250B, 252B (respectively), through amounting plate 250C, 252C (respectively), as shown. During operation ofthe device 102, the weight of the device 102 is sufficient to activatethe push button switches 250D, 252D and allow activation of the UV lightsource. Preferably, the switch assemblies also function to communicatean electrical signal that lights bulb 142C to alert the user that theswitches are depressed and the UV light is active. In variousembodiments, each contact portion 250A, 252A may be covered by agenerally rounded, durable plastic material structured to minimizefriction with a cleaning medium when the device 102 travels across thecleaning medium. In certain embodiments, it can be appreciated that thecleaning medium contact switch assemblies 250, 252 prevent activation ofor deactivate the light bulb 142C when the device 102 is lifted ortilted away from the cleaning medium, thus releasing one or both of thepush button switches 250D, 252D. This prevention of activation ordeactivation of the light bulb 142C may be configured to occur even ifthe safety switch 236 is already activated in a mode (e.g., in adepressed state) that would normally permit or enable activation of thelight bulb 142C.

Other safety switches may be employed as are known in the art. Suchswitches include various dead-man switches, whether located on thehandle assembly or elsewhere. Other contact switches or proximityswitches may be employed, such as an optical or laser switch operable tocut off power to the UV bulb if a cleaning surface is not within aprescribed distance. A motion sensor and safety switch which operates toshut off the UV bulb when the device is stationary can be used, whetherthe switch is keyed to motion of the device, turning of the devicewheels or otherwise. Similarly, other motion sensors and switches orgravity switches may be employed.

In various embodiments, it can be appreciated that multiple safetymechanism can be employed. For example, the cleaning medium contactswitch assemblies 250, 252 may be configured to cooperate in conjunctionwith the deadman safety switch 236, and/or in association with othersafety features such as the airflow engineering embodiments describedabove, to provide a multiple and integrated safety system for the device102. For example, the cleaning medium contact switch assemblies 250, 252and the safety switch 236 may be electrically connected in series suchthat if one or both switches are opened the light bulb 142C iselectrically disconnected from its power source and deactivated. Thecleaning medium contact switch assemblies 250, 252 and the safety switch236 may be further electrically configured upon deactivation to onlyturn off the light bulb 142C, and not otherwise disable otheroperational modes of the device 102 (e.g., vacuum cleaning action orrotation of the beater bar 132).

In various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 13, one or more opticalswitches 302, 304 may be located in the base 104A of the main housingassembly 104 and/or in the light bulb assembly 142. As shown, theoptical switches 302, 304 may be configured to determine when a surfaceof the base 104A of the device 102 is more than a predetermined distancefrom a surface of the cleaning medium. For example, the optical switches302, 304 may be configured to deactivate the light bulb 142C when apredetermined detected distance between the optical switches 302, 304and the cleaning medium is met or exceeded. In alternative embodiments,one or more mercury switches and/or one or more gravity switches may beemployed in the device 102 to detect excessive tilt, slope, or otherlifting of the device 102 with respect to the cleaning medium and todeactivate the light bulb 142C in accordance with the detected tilted orlifted condition. In various embodiments, the optical switches 302, 304may work in conjunction with the safety switch 236 and the cleaningmedium contact switch assemblies 250, 252, such that if any one or moreof the optical switches 302, 304, the safety switch 236, or the cleaningmedium contact switch assemblies 250, 252 is/are deactivated, then thelight bulb 142C can be deactivated or not permitted to activate. Asthose skilled in the art will appreciate, this arrangement may beachieved, for example, by electrically connecting the safety switch 236,the cleaning medium contact switch assemblies 250, 252, and the opticalswitches 302, 304 in series in the device 102.

FIGS. 14A-C present front, side and top views of an embodiment of theinvention. The device 102 can employ various arrangements of thefeatures described above, including a safety switch 236, handle assembly116, housing 104, light assembly 142 and cleaning assembly 132. Those ofskill in the art will recognize that the device 102 may take variousforms such as are common in cleaning devices.

In general, embodiments of the device 102 described herein can bestructured to operate in various modes: such as vacuum only, which canbe useful for substantially solid or substantially non-compressiblecleaning media such as the surface of a hardwood floor, for example; or,vacuum with accompanying beater bar 132 rotation for various types ofsurfaces or floor coverings, such as carpeting or mattresses. Inaddition, the light bulb 142C may be on or off in either of theseoperational modes, radiating or not radiating UV light into the cleaningmedium as desired during use of the device 102. In various embodiments,the device 102 may be configured for use primarily to performdisinfecting operations in association with UV light or UVC lightradiated from the light bulb 142C. For example, such disinfectingoperations may be performed with the device 102 as described above, withor without an accompanying vacuum cleaning operation capability, and/orwith or without activation of the beater bar 132 or bulb-in-bar assembly206 embodiments described herein.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize, however, that these and other elements may bedesirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the presentinvention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. Itshould be appreciated that the figures are presented for illustrativepurposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted details andmodifications or alternative embodiments are within the purview ofpersons of ordinary skill in the art.

It can be appreciated that, in certain aspects of the present invention,a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiplecomponents may be replaced by a single component, to provide an elementor structure or to perform a given function or functions. Except wheresuch substitution would not be operative to practice certain embodimentsof the present invention, such substitution is considered within thescope of the present invention.

The physical composition of various structural and functional componentsdescribed herein may be comprised of different kinds of suitablematerials. Examples of suitable materials that may be employed include,without limitation, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic,polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), various elastomeric materials, andpolytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”).

The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential andspecific implementations of the present invention. It can be appreciatedthat the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration ofthe invention for those skilled in the art. The diagrams depicted hereinare provided by way of example. There may be variations to thesediagrams or the operations described herein without departing from thespirit of the invention. For instance, in certain cases, method steps oroperations may be performed in differing order, or operations may beadded, deleted or modified.

Furthermore, whereas particular embodiments of the invention have beendescribed herein for the purpose of illustrating the invention and notfor the purpose of limiting the same, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that numerous variations of the details,materials and arrangement of elements, steps, structures, and/or partsmay be made within the principle and scope of the invention withoutdeparting from the invention as described in the following claims.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A device for disinfecting a cleaning mediumcomprising: an ultraviolet (UV) bulb positioned to radiate UV light ontothe cleaning medium; and a lens disposed between the UV bulb and thecleaning medium, wherein the lens is adapted to be in direct contactwith the cleaning medium.
 25. A device as in claim 24 wherein the directcontact with the cleaning medium wipes the lens.
 26. A device as inclaim 24, further comprising: a housing for disposing the UV bulb andthe lens; and wheels operatively associated with the housing.
 27. Adevice as in claim 24, further comprising a lens frame for disposing thelens therein.
 28. A device as in claim 27, wherein the lens frame isremovable.
 29. A device as in claim 27, wherein the lens frame ispivotably attached to the housing.
 30. A device as in claim 24, whereinthe lens allows greater then 80 percent transmittance of UV lightirradiated from the UV bulb.
 31. A device as in claim 24, wherein thelens is composed of fused silica or glass quartz.
 32. A device as inclaim 24, wherein the lens is no more than 3 millimeters thick.
 33. Adevice as in claim 24, wherein the UV bulb is positioned about 2 inchesabove the cleaning medium.
 34. A device as in claim 24, wherein thecleaning medium is exposed to a dosage of at least 30milliJoules/centimeters of UV light during normal use.
 35. A device asin claim 24, wherein the cleaning medium is exposed irradiance of atleast 30 microwatts/centimeters².
 36. A device as in claim 24, furthercomprising a bulb-in-bar assembly and wherein the UV bulb is positionedin the bulb-in-bar assembly.
 37. A device as in claim 36, wherein thebulb assembly further comprises a reflector positioned to reflect UVlight radiated from the UV bulb onto the cleaning medium.
 38. A deviceas in claim 36, further comprising at least one fin extending from thebulb assembly and operable to transfer heat away from the bulb assembly.39. A device as in claim 24, further comprising a vacuum assembly forvacuuming the cleaning medium.
 40. A device for disinfecting a cleaningmedium comprising: a UV light source positioned to radiate UV light ontothe cleaning medium; and a lens disposed between the UV source and thecleaning medium, wherein the lens is adapted to be in direct contactwith the cleaning medium, and wherein the direct contact with thecleaning medium wipes the lens.
 41. A device for disinfecting a cleaningmedium comprising: a housing; a UV light source disposed within thehousing positioned to radiate UV light onto the cleaning medium; a lensdisposed between the UV light source and the cleaning medium; and avacuum assembly, wherein the lens is adapted to be in direct contactwith the cleaning medium.
 42. A device as in claim 41, wherein thevacuum assembly further comprises a beater bar.
 43. A device as in claim41, wherein the device is hand-held.